10+ Best Belarusian Recipes You Need To Try Once

Belarusian cuisine might not be the first thing that pops into your mind when thinking about world-famous food, but that’s about to change.

With its hearty, rustic flavors and comforting dishes, it’s like a warm hug on a cold day.

Think farm-fresh ingredients, simple techniques, and a whole lot of love baked into every bite.

Plus, who doesn’t love discovering a new cultural gem to share at their next dinner party?

If you’re ready to shake up your weekly menu and add a little European flair to your plate, buckle up! These recipes are not just delicious—they’re downright unforgettable.

Let’s dive into 10+ of the best Belarusian dishes you’ve just gotta try.

1. Draniki (Potato Pancakes)

Potato lovers, rejoice! Draniki is Belarus’s ultimate comfort food. These golden, crispy pancakes are made with grated potatoes, onion, and just the right amount of seasoning.

They’re pan-fried to perfection and typically served with sour cream.

But if you’re feeling adventurous, you can pair them with applesauce or a mushroom sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

Here’s how you make it:

Ingredients:

• 4 medium potatoes (russet works great)
• 1 small onion
• 1 egg
• 2-3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Grate the potatoes and onion. Squeeze out as much liquid as you can.
2. Mix in the egg, flour, salt, and pepper. Stir it up until it looks like a thick batter.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the hot skillet and flatten them slightly.
4. Cook each side until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.

Why did this make it to our list? It’s crispy, it’s hearty, and it’s a total crowd-pleaser. Plus, who doesn’t love a good potato pancake?

2. Kolduny (Stuffed Potato Pancakes)

Take your love for draniki to the next level with kolduny, the stuffed version of Belarus’s beloved potato pancakes.

These beauties are filled with savory minced meat, making them extra filling and satisfying.

They’re the perfect meal for when you want comfort food with a twist.

Ingredients:

• 5 medium potatoes
• 1 small onion
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 cup minced beef or chicken
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Grate the potatoes and onion, then squeeze out the excess liquid.
2. Mix in the egg, flour, salt, and pepper to make a batter.
3. Season the minced meat with salt and pepper.
4. Place a spoonful of the potato mixture in a hot skillet, add a small amount of meat on top, then cover it with more potato batter.
5. Fry until golden brown on both sides.

Why we chose it: It’s like finding a surprise gift inside your favorite dish. Kolduny is hearty, satisfying, and 100% worth trying.

3. Machanka (Meat Gravy)

Machanka is like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s a thick, savory gravy often served with pancakes or bread for dipping.

The star ingredient is slow-cooked, tender meat. Beef or chicken works just as well.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef or chicken
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups beef or chicken broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the meat in a skillet. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the onion in the same pan until translucent.
3. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Slowly add the broth, stirring constantly.
4. Add the sour cream, then return the meat to the pan. Simmer until the meat is tender.

Why did this make it to our list? It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for dipping. Your taste buds will thank you.

4. Nalistniki (Thin Pancakes)

These thin, crepe-like pancakes are as versatile as they come.

You can stuff them with sweet fillings like jam or cottage cheese, or go savory with mushrooms or minced chicken. Either way, they’re a must-try.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• A pinch of salt
• Oil for cooking

Instructions:

1. Whisk together flour, eggs, milk, and salt until smooth.
2. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly grease it.
3. Pour a thin layer of batter into the pan, tilting to spread it evenly.
4. Cook for about a minute on each side.

Why we selected it: Nalistniki is like the Swiss Army knife of Belarusian cuisine. Sweet or savory, it’s always a win.

5. Babka (Potato Pudding)

This isn’t your average pudding. Belarusian babka is a baked potato casserole that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

It’s a simple dish, but the flavor is anything but basic.

Ingredients:

• 6 medium potatoes
• 1 onion
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Grate the potatoes and onion.
2. Mix in the eggs, sour cream, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
4. Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes, or until golden brown.

Why did this make it to our list? It’s crispy, it’s hearty, and it’s a perfect side dish or main course.

6. Krupnik (Barley Soup)

Krupnik is a traditional barley soup that’s both hearty and healthy.

Packed with vegetables and grains, it’s the kind of dish that warms you up from the inside out.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pearl barley
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 potatoes, cubed
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the barley according to package instructions.
2. Sauté the onion and carrots until soft.
3. Add the potatoes, broth, and cooked barley. Simmer until the potatoes are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper.

Why we chose it: It’s wholesome, filling, and perfect for chilly days.

7. Tsibriki (Fried Potato Balls)

If you love bite-sized snacks, tsibriki is for you. These fried potato balls are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

With a gooey cheese surprise in the middle. They’re perfect as an appetizer or a quick snack.

Ingredients:

• 3 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed
• 1/2 cup grated cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Mix the mashed potatoes with cheese, egg, flour, salt, and pepper.
2. Roll the mixture into small balls.
3. Heat oil in a skillet and fry the balls until golden brown.

Why we selected it: These little potato bites are cheesy, crispy, and oh-so-satisfying. They’re a surefire hit for any occasion.

8. Holodnik (Cold Beet Soup)

Holodnik is the Belarusian answer to gazpacho. This vibrant, chilled beet soup is refreshing and tangy, making it perfect for warm weather.

Its bright pink color is a feast for the eyes, too.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium beets, boiled and grated
• 2 cups kefir or plain yogurt
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• Fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine the grated beets, kefir, cucumber, and eggs in a bowl.
2. Season with salt, pepper, and dill. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour.

Why did this make it to our list? It’s light, refreshing, and a total game-changer for soup lovers.

9. Zrazy (Stuffed Meat Patties)

Zrazy are like mini meatloaves with a surprise filling. Traditionally stuffed with mushrooms, onions, or even mashed potatoes, these patties are pan-fried to juicy perfection.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or chicken
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
• 1 onion, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Mix the ground meat with breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper.
2. Sauté the mushrooms and onions for the filling.
3. Form the meat into patties, place a spoonful of filling in the center, and seal it.
4. Fry until golden brown and cooked through.

Why we chose it: Zrazy packs a punch of flavor and a fun surprise in every bite.

10. Kletski (Dumplings)

Kletski are soft, pillowy dumplings that can be served in soups or as a side dish. They’re a simple yet satisfying addition to any meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup water
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Mix the flour, egg, water, and salt into a dough.
2. Roll the dough into small balls.
3. Drop the dumplings into boiling water and cook until they float to the top.

Why we selected it: Kletski is versatile and pairs perfectly with soups or sauces.

11. Vereshchaka (Meat Stew)

Vereshchaka is a hearty meat stew cooked with onions and a savory broth.

Traditionally served with mashed potatoes, it’s a comforting dish perfect for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef or chicken, diced
• 2 onions, sliced
• 2 cups broth
• 2 tablespoons flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the meat in a skillet.
2. Add the onions and sauté until soft.
3. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for a minute.
4. Pour in the broth and simmer until the meat is tender.

Why did this make it to our list? It’s rich, hearty, and a true taste of Belarusian home cooking.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve got a taste of Belarusian cuisine, why not bring these dishes to life in your own kitchen? From crispy potato pancakes to comforting meat stews, these recipes showcase the heart and soul of Belarus.

They’re not just meals—they’re stories, traditions, and a little slice of a culture that’s waiting to be explored.

So grab your apron, fire up the stove, and get ready to impress your taste buds—and maybe a few friends, too. Let the cooking adventures begin!